Catherine (c. 1347 - 1380) of Siena was the youngest of some twenty children of a Sienese, Italian woman. Early on in her life she devoted herself to prayer and penance. She refused marriage, insisting instead to be espoused to Our Lord.

Catherine was a nun of the Dominican Third Order. She visited the poor and sick often, and helped many to convert to Christ.

Because of her personal holiness, she received numerous criticisms, both from her family and from those whom she met. Nonetheless, many saw her as a living example of the Gospel of Christ in action bringing light to those who sat in darkness.

The accompany painting, entitled "The Death of Saint Catherine of Siena," by Giovanni de Paolo (1400 - 1482) is a Temera on panel.